Certification in a specialty field, such as pediatrics or emergency care, is a benefit. Emergency measures certification, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic life support, and advanced cardiac life support, are also required. In order to practice as an RN, they must also have passed the local nursing board. Qualifications Required For A Charge NurseĪ bachelor's degree in nursing from an authorized nursing program is required of a Charge Nurse. Charge nurses keep the hospital functioning efficiently by coordinating with the general nursing staff. Works to ensure the quality of patient treatment in collaboration with medical practitioners.įurthermore, charge nurses are responsible for a variety of nursing functions and management, supervision, and administrative responsibilities.

Assigns tasks and supervises support staff based on their level of training and the severity of the patient's condition. Roles And Responsibilitiesįrom the word itself, the Charge Nurse is in charge of ensuring that the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently. A charge nurse must be a leader who can make difficult decisions quickly. They must understand the evidence-based nursing practice. If you have what it takes, take on the challenge of becoming a charge nurse.What makes a good and efficient charge nurse? A good charge nurse should be open-minded and fair. Some of the common and most-desired qualities of a charge nurse role include innovation, ambition, optimism, organized, and strong communication skills.Ĭharge nurse roles are essential in the organization, efficiency, and safety within specific unit s of healthcare facilit ies. – Some require you to have specific certifications such as being a super-user over specific devices, as well as ACLS, CCRN etc.Ĭharge nurse roles require a high level of organizational skills, as they are responsible for monitoring and schedul ing staff and patient assignments.Īdditionally, charge nurses must maintain performance monitoring documentation of the staff in order to relay any concerns or information to their nursing leadership committees. If your goal is to work in a specific unit, a majority of your experience should come from that specialty field.

– 3 years working in clinical patient care. Online nurse-for-nurse network, outlines all the requirements you need in order to take the reins of your nursing staff! However, it is important to note that e very unit and facility differ in their requirements for a charge nurse, so be sure to do your own research on the specific facility you are looking to work in. However, that is not to say that one is less or more important than the other – healthcare facilities need both leadership roles in order to thriv e.ĭo you t hink you have what it takes to fulfill a charge nurse role? So, to answer the question above, yes, a charge nurse role is different than a nurse manager.

įor example, th ey m aintain the quality of care within their unit, provid e feedback and leadership assistance to their fellow nurses, and ensure that all nurses under their supervision are following the facility’s protocols and regulations correctly.Īlthough their roles may appear similar, Maryville University outlines that a nurse manager provides oversight to the clinicians at a facility, however, they serve as a liaison between all staff members, primarily focus on leadership and education-based roles, and do not see patients.

These nurses are often RNs or LPNs with a vast amount of clinical experience.Ī r eputable nursing employment resource organization,, defines a charge nurse as an RN who “ ensures that everything is going smoothly during a shift and coordinates between the staff nurses and physicians or hospital administrators.”Ĭharge nurses hold many responsibilities. Charge Nurse Role Overview Is it different than a nurse manager?Ī charge nurse typically manages a floor or specific unit of a medical facility.

Charge nurse role